Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the life of a brave young constituent, Cameron Travis Gooch, who recently lost his two-year battle with a rare pediatric cancer.

Born in July of 2008, Cameron was a thoughtful and determined individual who positively affected everyone he met. He is remembered by his friends and family for his ``old soul'' and unrelenting kindness and courage.

One of Cameron's great loves was the game of baseball, our true American pastime. Cameron fell in love with the game at a young age, participating in Little League from the age of 4 until he turned 9-- even playing games when he was undertaking cancer treatment.

His love for baseball didn't stop when Cameron left the field. He treasured learning about baseball's rich history, complex rules, and following different stats on the game's players and teams. On August 17, 2017, Cameron accomplished a remarkable feat when he officially became the youngest player to ever join the Houston Astros. When the Astros won the 2017 World Series, Cameron celebrated the organization's first ever World Series win with the team.

Cameron also cherished having personal conversations with those he knew best, often teaching those much older than him a thing or two about how to live. He was wise beyond his years. One of Cameron's most pressing wishes is for people to honor him by always choosing kindness--a fitting sentiment from an individual who always exemplified this often-times under practiced quality.

His parents, Aaron and Emmie Gooch; sister, Audrey Gooch; grandparents, Ron and Sharron Gooch, Ron Schmotzer, and Carol Gooch; paternal great grandmother, Mary Gooch; maternal great grandmother, Doris Taylor; and maternal grandmother, Sandy Williamson and many others all deeply loved and supported Cameron.

While we mourn with Cameron's family, we also celebrate his incredible life and indelible legacy. He was a joy to all who had the privilege of meeting him. I join his family, friends, peers and the entire Eighth District of Texas in honoring his extraordinary life and his steadfast devotion to his friends and family. Cameron will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this very Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, few Americans will ever rival the depth and the breadth of the service to our Nation exhibited by George Herbert Walker Bush.

Today, I join the Bush family, my colleagues, fellow Texans, and a grateful Nation in remembering and honoring the life of President George H.W. Bush.

He was a courageous war hero, a key member of the Committee on Ways and Means while he was here in Congress, Ambassador, Director of the CIA, Vice President, and the President of the United States.

That is a remarkable and historical level of service to America, but I still think his favorite title was that of husband to his beloved Bar, and I believe his greatest accomplishment was in raising children and grandchildren who serve their Nation with dedication and patriotism.

I believe our country and our State can agree that we have lost a man of honor and character, who leaves a legacy of love and service to his Nation and family.

So, today, we all want to share with you a little bit about our relationship with the beloved President Bush.

I consider myself a proud part of the Bush legacy. On the Ways and Means Committee, I hold the seat that was previously held by President Bush, then a Member of Congress, and Bill Archer of Houston, later the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee from Texas. I am truly blessed to be part of a legacy on this committee that has achieved so much.

As a matter of fact, my interest in major issues from trade to tax reform to healthcare is due in large part to President Bush. After I became elected to Congress, I spent a lot of time visiting President Bush and Secretary James Baker, asking their advice on these issues. In fact, one of the reasons I have been involved in 12 of the 14 American free trade agreements and led the Central American Free Trade Agreement was directly because of my discussions with President Bush and Secretary Baker.

President Bush was incredibly supportive of me, both in my early campaigns for Congress and once I started serving. There was always an open door to talk about issues dealing in tax and trade, healthcare, welfare, Social Security, and Medicare. I always knew I had someone I could lean on for sage advice.

Because I used to represent College Station, I had the pleasure of being in office when President Bush's library was opened at A&M, and I worked closely with the foundation for the 8 years I represented it.

The library is remarkable, but it goes way beyond the bricks and mortar. It is a tangible reminder of the impact President Bush had on College Station and the State of Texas.

The library brought world leaders to College Station, allowed young men and women from the small towns in Texas to interact with President Bush as well as United States and world leaders on a one-on-one, close, personal level. That incredible legacy for those young people will last for ages to come.

I will finish with this. One of my favorite moments with President Bush came just after I was named Ways and Means chairman. President Bush's office reached out and said the President wanted me to come down to his office in Houston and visit about Ways and Means issues, so, you can imagine, I was thrilled about it.

So I went to his office, and my staff really urged me to take a pair of crazy socks to present to President Bush, because he loved them; he wore them; he

had a lot of fun with them. I decided, instead, to bring one of three specially made Ways and Means ties that we had just created.

I brought that to the President, and he seemed thrilled, but it was Barbara who was most excited. When I presented the tie, she exclaimed: Thank God. No more socks, please.

I will finish, too, with this. Finally, every Veterans Day and Memorial Day as I address our events in the Eighth Congressional District of Texas, I often conclude with my most memorable quote from President Bush. It is a quote that is emblazoned in the library in College Station in letters 10 feet tall, where that Brazos Valley sun can catch it every day and afternoon on the library. The quote is this: ``Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom. Let them say we stood where duty required us to stand.''

That quote embodies President George H.W. Bush, and it is a call to us as well to stand where duty requires us to stand today in all things and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, the next Member to speak will be the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams), a dear friend of President Bush for more than three decades, a partner and a colleague, and a huge admirer.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 419, I was unavoidably detained to cast my vote in time. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 420, I was unavoidably detained to cast my vote in time. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a trusted advisor, a good friend, and by any standard one of the best to ever serve the House Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Mathew Weidinger.

With all of Matt's insight into how this Committee functions and his knowledge of its many storied traditions, it'd be easy to think he began his career under Chairman Fitzsimons when this Committee was founded in 1789, but that just goes to show how truly valuable Matt is around here.

For over 25 years, Matt has played an important role in the major accomplishments of this Committee. From each hearing, markup, and piece of legislation our Committee has led, Matt has been there, ready to serve and willing to go the extra mile to make sure the job not only gets done but done well. His name and reputation are nearly synonymous with the Ways and Means Committee.

Serving five different GOP Chairmen--Archer, Thomas, Camp, Ryan, and Brady--and being an integral part of our Human Resources and Social Security Subcommittees throughout his tenure, Matt's voice and unparalleled attention to detail has helped shepherd through laws that have directly benefited the lives of millions of children and families. From foster care and adoption, to child support, disability, and unemployment--especially the Personal Responsibility Work Opportunity Act and the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act--it has always been about what is best for taxpayers and families.

Most notably, Matt is our last connection to the successful 1996 welfare reforms that set consistent policies for non-citizens and led to the greatest increase in single mothers returning to work and decrease in poverty. We learned as a nation that in expecting more, more can be achieved, and we seek each day to build upon that success.

When the Great Recession hit our nation, Matt again provided the focus on work and expectation that was needed, reforming the unemployment insurance program in ways that will improve the success of the unemployed for decades to come.

Any Member of this Committee going back almost three decades could tell story after story about Matt's sharp intellect, incredible recall, and dedication to serving the American people. Matt is a true patriot who could have picked a career in any field. Instead, he chose to serve. We are all so grateful for that choice.

With the many demands from his busy schedule, Matt has never ceased being a mentor to dozens and dozens of staffers, all who today would testify that they are better at their jobs because of Matt.

As I was first joining this Committee, outgoing Chairman Bill Archer was singing Matt's praises and advising me to seek his insight on welfare reform and the other myriad programs that make up our Committee's work on Human Resources. Chairman Archer gave me good advice, and my respect and admiration for Matt has only grown throughout the years. I have turned to Matt for continued guidance and judgement as we've tackled historic issues like tax reform and health care.

On behalf of our entire Committee, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Matt. For the countless late nights and early morning's Matt spent here, I would like to especially thank Matt's family, his wife, Jean, and his eight children JC, Andrew, Cara, Hannah, Erin, Joe, Mike, and Claire. I wish Matt and his entire family all the best as he starts the next chapter of his life. Our Committee will not be the same without Matt, but it will forever be a better place because of his service.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the vibrant history and spirit of M.B. Smiley High School Class of `68 as

they gather for their 50-year high school reunion.

I am proud to congratulate all of this class as they bring old friends together and celebrate everything they have accomplished since their graduation 50 years ago.

As students at M.B. Smiley, these individuals were instilled with the values of a strong work ethic, leadership, and service which enabled them to succeed in whatever endeavor they chose later in life. This has been made evident by the many educators, doctors, lawyers, community leaders, and elected officials that have gone on to excel in their personal and professional lives. Through their dedication and commitment, many have left a lasting impact on their communities and the people around them--ensuring the preservation of the strong legacy of M.B. Smiley High School.

After graduation, numerous young men and women from the class of `68 went on to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War--with some paying the ultimate sacrifice for our country. These great individuals selflessly fulfilled their duty and defended our Nation in a time of war, and we thank them for their steadfast service and dedication to country.

As this group of former students once again joins together to meet with their fellow classmates from the class of 1968, I am proud to recognize this momentous occasion and wish them the best as they celebrate their 50-year reunion.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1084, I call up the bill (H.R. 6760) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act affecting individuals, families, and small businesses, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 6760, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, for far too long, hardworking American taxpayers watched as an entitled Federal Government took a bigger and bigger slice from their family's budget. But that changed last year. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we choose you, the hardworking taxpayers of this country.

With our new Tax Code, we were determined to let you keep more of what you worked so hard to earn, and, boy, have the results been incredible.

Eight months later, we have seen an economic turnaround with more jobs, bigger paychecks, and historic Main Street optimism. We have gone from asking, ``Where are the jobs?'' to asking, ``Where are the workers?''

One Main Street small-business owner recently told me that, thanks to the new Tax Code, they are hiring more, giving bonuses, buying more equipment, and, as he said, they are set to have their best year ever.

This has meant real change for real people, with nearly 1.7 million new jobs created just since January, and paychecks rising at their fastest rate in 9 years.

While this economic turnaround for America has come as a shock to opponents of the new Tax Code here in Washington, it is no surprise to millions of hardworking families and small businesses across America who were overtaxed and overregulated far too long.

Thanks to our new pro-growth Tax Code, there is new hope and a new optimism in America that wasn't here before. To call it a sudden change from the sluggish Obama-era economy would be an understatement. For a decade, it was like America's economy was going through a 25-mile-per- hour zone.

Now that the high taxes and the uncompetitive regulations of our Democratic friends are gone, we are on an open highway again. It is critical that we keep this strong momentum going, especially for Americans who were hit hardest by the Great Recession.

That is what this bill before us today is all about. By making the new code permanent for our families and small businesses, the Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act will keep America's economy booming and middle class families growing again.

In fact, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation estimates that this bill will add 1.5 million new jobs and increase America's economy over 2 percent. That is on top, as I said, of the 1.7 million new jobs we have already seen created since President Trump signed the new Tax Code into law.

We don't want to go back to the bad old days of higher taxes, with Washington taking more of what our single moms, our hardworking parents, and our Main Street-owned business owners have worked so hard to earn. We don't want to go back to the bad old days when Main Street wasn't hiring, jobs were going overseas, and our economic growth was puttering along.

So given the choice between keeping taxes high and allowing families to keep more of their money, Republicans chose, and continue to choose, the American people.

I thank Representative Rodney Davis for introducing this bill, and Representative Mark Meadows and Representative Mark Walker, along with all of our Republican Ways and Means members, for being the original cosponsors and leaders of this bill.

In closing, empowering families to run their own lives is at the heart of the American Dream. It is the key to America's economic success, and it is the reason that 8 months after tax reform became law, Americans are more hopeful about their future and the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the leader and the original sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Walker), one of the three original leaders of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith), who is one of our key members on the Ways and Means Committee from rural communities on this tax reform bill.

Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith), who is a key member of our Ways and Means Committee and who played, again, such a leadership role on tax reform for small businesses and agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from South Dakota (Mrs. Noem), who is a key member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, because of tax reform, Main Street businesses are booming. The chairman of the Small Business Committee has played a key role in that.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentlemen from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), who started a small business at age 25 and built it up from the ground up.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute.

Mr. Speaker, let me just fact-check my colleague from Texas.

Since the tax reform bill became law on New Year's Day, 1.7 million jobs have been created in America, with wages rising at the fastest rate in 9 years.

Today, following these new policies, the median income for a married couple with two kids has $3,200 more in their take-home pay than it did just 12 months ago.

I will remind the voters in Mr. Doggett's district that an average family of four making $60,000 a year sees a tax cut of $1,131 that my Democratic colleagues want to steal back.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from

Arizona (Mr. Schweikert), a key leader and member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I note that the average middle class family in the 12th District of California will see a tax cut of $5,508 each year.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup), a key member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I have one.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows), one of the three original lead sponsors of this tax bill.

Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much time I have left.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would note that the average middle-class family in my good friend Mr. Neal's district back home in Massachusetts will see a tax cut of nearly $2,000 each year.

So let's fact-check a couple of these claims today. Let's fact-check a few things, starting with my friend Mr. Neal's point about Dr. Wenstrup's call.

That gentleman wasn't complaining he didn't get enough tax cuts. He said his taxes would go up significantly. And he is correct, because under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this relief goes to middle-class families and low-income families working their way up.

In fact, after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, millionaires of America who used to shoulder 19 percent of the tax burden now will shoulder 20 percent of the tax burden. They will carry more because this tax reform was designed for middle-class, working families.

Earlier today, we heard our respected Democratic leader say many things, including that the GOP tax cuts provide at least $1.3 trillion in tax breaks to corporations. FactCheck.org says that claim is misleading. In fact, of the $1\1/2\ trillion, over $1 trillion is for individual taxpayers.

Leader Pelosi said 86 million middle-class families will see a tax increase. The Washington Post gave her 2 Pinocchios, saying most every U.S. taxpayer can expect some kind of tax cut according to just about every analysis.

A lawmaker from Wisconsin, Democrat: Never let the GOP tell you again they support low taxes. They don't, unless you are already a billionaire or massive corporation.

PolitiFact gave that Democratic lawmaker a pants on fire rating, saying this will provide tax relief for the middle class, and most people in low-income households will see cuts as well.

Leader Chuck Schumer said companies are laying off American workers because of tax reform. PolitiFact said that was mostly false.

A California assemblyman says GOP tax cuts are nothing more than a middle-class tax increase. PolitiFact just killed them, called that just flat-out false.

Senator Claire McCaskill said the tax cuts are not going to be helpful to the vast majority of people. The Washington Post also gave her two Pinocchios, said that is flat wrong, says she ignores the immediate impact of the law, which means noticeable tax cuts for her constituents for a number of years.

And, of course, dozens of Democrats continue to state 83 percent of all tax breaks go to the top 1 percent. FactCheck.org--down, misleading, because it cites projections for 2027. In fact, the only way that will be true is if you vote ``no'' today. If you vote ``yes,'' these middle-class tax cuts are permanent.

We have heard, today, scare tactics about the impact to Social Security and Medicare. Let me cite the Joint Economic Committee that shows the Congressional Budget Office said the Medicare trust fund solvency improved after tax reform. The tax reform strengthened the major funding source for the Medicare trust fund. Americans leaving disability for jobs due to a stronger economy will improve Medicare solvency, and the number of uninsured Americans fell--fell--after tax reform in the individual mandate.

And the final point, let's talk about debts and deficits, Mr. Speaker. This is a pleasant surprise to hear our Democrats suddenly concerned. They weren't, under President Obama, when they doubled the national debt. They added $2 trillion in just 1 year.

I am not going to talk about sailors who drink. I will just say this. Democrats were concerned, didn't care about deficits when they were spending your money; but now that you are spending your money, all of a sudden, everything is changed.

The truth of the matter is: Who do you trust, Washington to spend your money, or you and your family?

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of a point of order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, you know Washington. You know Washington. If you don't have an argument, just scare people; just frighten them to death. That will work.

But people are smart. When you calm down all the rhetoric and all the anger and all the outrage, what we know is this: The Congressional Budget Office--it isn't Republican or Democrat--it found the Medicare Trust Fund solvency got better after tax reform.

In fact, tax reform strengthened the major funding source for the Medicare Trust Fund and now, because we have more people, especially those disabled, going back to work, getting a job that they had hoped for, it is actually improving Medicare solvency. So that great big scare tactic just got fact-checked.

In fact, already this year, the Federal Government is receiving $105 billion more, Mr. Speaker, in payroll taxes and individual taxes, and those payroll taxes are what are the foundation of Social Security and Medicare.

The truth of the matter is, as we look at this bill, both parties claim to be champions of hardworking taxpayers. Well, let's check.

So, under this bill, a single mom, working her way out of poverty, permanently will see $1,700 more in her paycheck each year. Democrats who vote ``no'' will steal that money back from that single mom.

Middle-class family of two, two teachers in my district, with two kids, under this bill, permanently will see a tax cut of $2636. A ``no'' vote steals that money back from that family.

That Main Street business, moms and pops working all hours, all weekends, all year, under this bill, permanently they will see a tax cut of $3,000

every year, and they can write off on their taxes that new computer, that new equipment, that new improvement to their store. A ``no'' vote hammers America's Main Street businesses.

Young parents, struggling to raise kids, where every dollar matters, this bill makes sure that that doubling of the child tax credit is permanent, and millions more Americans, middle-class families, will get help raising their precious children. A ``no'' vote is to take that money back from those young parents. Oh, by the way, take back their tax-free savings for school and college for that child as well.

And, yes, in this bill, we make sure seniors can write off more of their high medical expenses. Some called it the cancer tax. A ``yes'' vote will help millions of seniors and millions of families with high medical bills more easily write those taxes off. A ``no'' vote is to deny American seniors, American families' ability to write off those taxes.

Now, we know, thanks to ObamaCare, high out-of-pocket costs is now the preexisting condition. This bill makes sure that we stand on the side of those seniors, whether they are battling cancer or some other menaces.

At the end of the day, while some would say, look, we need to raise the SALT cap, let me just say this: That SALT cap is a $10 tax cut for the middle class and a $146,000 tax cut for millionaires. In other words, Democrats who vote ``no'' say they just want more tax cuts for the rich.

And the fact of the matter is, States are seeing a $20 billion windfall. State governments and Governors, all they need do, don't pocket that money for their budget, pass it on to hard working taxpayers.

At the end of the day, revenues are up. Payroll taxes are up. Social Security and Medicare are strengthened.

So at the end of the day, who do you trust? Who do you trust with your hard-earned money? Is it Washington, so they can take it and spend it on their special interests? Is it you? Is it your family? Is it your American Dream?

This bill is about making sure that we choose the American people. We choose you, the middle-class families. We choose you, Main Street America, to better use your money than Washington does.

As we conclude, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our tax team, led by Barbara Angus, our Chief Tax Counsel, Aharon Friedman, Randy Gartin, Aaron Junge, Loren Ponds, John Sandell, Donald Schneider, Victoria Glover, John Schoenecker, and Quinton Brady, for doing a remarkable job for us and for the American people.

I urge a ``yes'' on protecting tax cuts for individuals, middle-class families, and small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone for their work. The opioid crisis, as you know, has impacted every community in America, has robbed countless individuals of their full potential. We all know someone who lost a loved one because they were exposed to opioids and then quickly addicted, and I know that sometimes, in routine surgery, they didn't even need it.

This can be prevented, and that is why I rise today in support of H.R. 6. This is bicameral and bipartisan. It addresses this crisis by putting in place many commonsense measures to reduce the unnecessary prescribing of opioids and get people treatment once they become addicted.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Neal; the ranking member of the Health Subcommittee, Mr. Levin; as well as leaders on our side and Mr. Roskam, Mr. Curbelo, Mr. Paulsen, and Mr. Bishop for authorizing key provisions of H.R. 6. They will save lives and heal communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6756, the American Innovation Act of 2018, and thank Chairman Buchanan and others for his leadership for America's startup businesses and innovation.

The truth is, startup businesses are huge contributors to innovation and productivity as well as job creation here in America. But the business environment since the great financial crisis has been tough for those looking to take a risk and start a business.

In fact, new business formation here in America took a dramatic downturn during the recession, with startups only accounting for 8 percent of all businesses in 2015. That is cut in half from 1977. The United States also dropped out of Bloomberg's list of the top 10 most innovative countries in the world. We know that the nation that wins the innovation race wins the future. This is a problem and, more importantly, it is a call to action.

The American Innovation Act, led by Chairman Buchanan, will help our entrepreneurs move a business from their kitchen table to their first office by allowing them to write off more startup costs in their early years--years where every dollar matters.

This bill will also allow startups to expand and go to the next level here in America by bringing in new investors without triggering tax limits on their access to tax benefits like the R&D tax credit for activities conducted in their early years.

With a renewed focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the American Innovation Act will help America's risk-takers create jobs, invest in their communities, and continue strengthening America's economy.

Mr. Speaker, this is a very simple bill. It can be read in just a couple of minutes. It focuses on America's entrepreneurs and startup costs.

A ``yes'' vote is in support of startup businesses here in America.

A ``yes'' vote is for innovation expansion here in the United States, not somewhere else.

A ``yes'' vote is for economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Promoting Family Savings Act of 2018, and thank Congressman Kelly for leading this important bill that helps families save earlier and save more throughout their life, something each party should be in support of.

Far too many have struggled to save for key life events such as for retirement, for education, or for unexpected emergencies. In fact, I know, back home, almost 40 percent of Americans say they wouldn't even be able to carry and cover a $400 emergency expense.

The Promoting Family Savings Act will help more middle-class Americans and younger workers save for key life events by expanding access to new and existing savings vehicles.

For example, the bill includes expanded education savings accounts, 529 accounts, as we use in our family, to give families the flexibility to use their education savings to pay for apprenticeship fees for those trade schools; to cover the costs of homeschooling; and to help pay off, for the first time, student debt with their own savings.

It also includes new universal savings accounts, called USAs, which offer fully flexible savings tools that families can use any time for what is right for them. We think this is very important to millennials in entering the savings culture.

This bill will also help families by allowing them to access their own retirement accounts on a penalty-free basis to use when welcoming a new child in the family, whether by birth or adoption, allowing them to replenish those retirement accounts in the future.

It seems to me that we have heard two complaints today. One is that this small provision adds to the debt. But I ask you: Where were the Democrats when they and President Obama doubled America's national debt?

They added $2 trillion to the debt in 1 year, but that was adding debt when they were spending your money.

But now under tax reform, when we allow families and small businesses to keep more of what they earn, all of a sudden, they are concerned about the national debt.

They are really not worried about tax cuts for the wealthy. They are worried about tax cuts for middle-class Americans, because if your earnings and your dreams come first, Democrats' dreams and Washington's dreams come second.

So this is a small investment to help families, small businesses, and younger workers save. But it does more than that.

The gentlewoman from California is confused. This bill is extremely family friendly, and one of the ways we do it is the education savings accounts, which we use for our two boys, is expanded.

This amendment simply makes clear that families can set up a 529 account and designate an unborn child as a beneficiary. So the moment you know ``we are pregnant,'' you can begin saving.

Mr. Speaker, you would think it would be a bipartisan thing to start saving early. We think starting to save early is a good thing. This amendment simplifies it for families.

Right now, when you learn those magic words, ``We are pregnant,'' and you want to begin saving, we actually force families to set up an account for someone else and then later they transfer it to the child after birth. All this does is eliminate that extra step, reduces the paperwork, and makes savings for family and that new addition, whether it is by birth or by adoption, in our case, it makes it easier to do.

The savings bill by Mr. Kelly for the first time allows families who welcome that new child to access their retirement if there are extra medical costs, or if your child has special needs and needs new equipment, or if you want to simply stay home sometime with your family. Maybe the business you work for can't afford to pay you. For the first time, millions of American families will have a Tax Code that works for their young family, not against them.

Mr. Speaker, you would think that would be supported by both parties. I urge Members of Congress to set aside this silly partisanship and join together to help families save more.

Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, I will be glad to provide my perspective. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly) is correct. The study was removed.

The question of PBGC premium levels is not directly within the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee. Here, in the House, the committee of jurisdiction is the Education and the Workforce Committee.

I have had numerous discussions with the excellent chairwoman of the committee, Dr. Foxx of North Carolina. She knows our interest in determining the proper premium levels for these organizations. Premiums, as you know, that are too low threaten the ability of the PBGC to provide protections for the workers and beneficiaries.

At the same time, if premiums are set too high, they really impose an inappropriate burden on pension plans and the workers who participate in them.

This issue will come up again as we negotiate a final agreement with the Senate on the overall retirement and savings package, because many Senators, too, are also interested in finding the right level of premiums.

So I would say to the gentleman that I have full confidence that Chairwoman Foxx and her colleagues as the committee of jurisdiction will be engaged in working on the overall retirement security agreement and will work to provide appropriate input in determining the right outcome.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor my good friend, Constable David Hill, for his fifty plus years of tireless service to the residents, businesses, and families of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas.

As a sixth grade student in Palestine, Texas, David first set his sights on a job in law enforcement after a career day presentation by the Border Patrol at his local elementary school. In 1967, David fulfilled this goal when he began working in Huntsville, Texas at the Texas Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. Shortly thereafter, David decided to join the Department of Public Safety (DPS), eventually becoming the second Trooper ever assigned to Magnolia. At first, David only planned on staying in Magnolia for a year, but he quickly fell in love with the area and decided to make Magnolia home--beginning his fifty-year relationship with the community he loved so dearly.

After some praying, in 1982 David made the life-changing decision to leave his position as a State Trooper to run for Constable of Precinct 5 in Montgomery County. Due to a policy by the DPS, David was required to resign from his current position to run for public office. However, David won the election for Constable--an office he has served in admirably since 1983.

Through his job and his personal life, David has shaped the Magnolia community for the better. During his time as constable, David held himself to the highest of standards and always allowed his Christian principles to guide his actions. His selfless service and the positive impact he has made on the Magnolia community has certainly not gone unnoticed. The impact of David's time of service will be felt for years to come, and I know his presence as Constable will be greatly missed.

David is excited to start his well-deserved, hard-earned retirement. He plans on traveling with his wife and visiting every state. The Magnolia community was blessed to have David for the past fifty years, and we are happy to see him begin this new chapter of his life.

I am proud to join his colleagues, friends, and family members in thanking David for his years of public service and wishing him the best as he begins his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Children's Safe Harbor for their twenty years of service to the communities of Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Walker counties.

The Montgomery County Children's Advocacy Center, Inc., also known as Children's Safe Harbor (CSH), was established over two decades ago to address child abuse. Specifically, CSH cares for children between the ages of two and seventeen who have suffered sexual abuse, physical abuse and trauma. Since this important organization opened its doors on August 31, 1998, it has provided a safe place for children where they can be heard, helped and healed.

From the beginning, CSH's principle mission has been to provide a supportive, safe environment for children while enhancing the coordination between criminal investigations and the monitoring of child abuse cases. Instead of children unnecessarily accessing multiple law enforcement agencies and child protection systems to seek healing and justice, CSH utilizes a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented approach to successfully coordinate effective, efficient, and child-centered casework. This method allows CSH to offer victimized children the care they need while also ensuring that the evidence necessary for prosecution is gathered effectively and mental health resources for children and non-offending family members are coordinated through completion of care.

First founded in Montgomery County, CSH has since expanded its operations and is now a multi-county resource for children and families. In its first few months, approximately 23 children were referred to the organization. Now, the average number of cases assisted by CSH totals over 200 a month. Though the increase in requests for help brought forth new challenges, CSH met them head-on. CSH's hard work and selfless service has helped 14,369 vulnerable children seeking the healing and justice they deserve--a truly incredible accomplishment.

In 1993, I joined my fellow CSH board members and signed a charter application to initiate this life-changing nonprofit organization. It is amazing to see the miracles this organization has accomplished since its founding, and I am proud to recognize CSH for the crucial work it has done in our community over the past twenty years.

To the staff, volunteers, and community leaders, such as my close friend Executive Director Victoria Constance, Ph.D., who have worked tirelessly to make CSH the life-changing organization it is today-- thank you. Without your dedication, CSH would not be able to

change the lives of the thousands of children who have sought help from your organization. You are all champions of social justice, and it is my honor to congratulate you all on twenty years of devoted service.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 4318) to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4318, currently under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate amendments to H.R. 4318, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018, which the House passed in January by a unanimous vote of 402-0, and passed the other body, the Senate, by unanimous consent in July.

Through the MTB bill, we would temporarily suspend or reduce uncompetitive tariffs for certain products that aren't made in the United States. Requiring U.S. manufacturers to pay tariffs for products that are simply not made here runs up their manufacturing costs and puts them at a competitive disadvantage compared to manufacturers in other countries.

This bill is bipartisan, and it will deliver much-needed temporary tariff relief to American manufacturers of all sizes, helping them reduce costs, create jobs, and compete globally. And the bill helps American consumers too by reducing prices and not forcing them to pay unnecessary taxes on products that aren't made here.

The Senate amendments we are considering today made very few changes to the House-passed bill. Still, these changes are important to ensure that the bill, which has overwhelming support in both Chambers, remains noncontroversial.

The changes we are considering today also reflect the spirit of the new and transparent process established by Congress, which was designed to ensure that no U.S. business is harmed and that any controversial provision is removed.

Specifically, the amendments remove six provisions to address concerns about domestic production, as well as one provision that was simply a duplicate of another.

In addition, the descriptions of three products were expanded and clarified to help distinguish between similar products not covered by the tariff reduction.

Finally, the amendments made minor adjustments to the expiration date of the offset.

I would like to, again, thank the U.S. International Trade Commission for its tremendous effort in successfully bringing this new MTB process to life.

I would also like to thank the Commerce Department and Customs and Border Protection for their invaluable work. I want to thank the committee members on both sides of the aisle, and those off the committee who worked to put this new, transparent process in place that honors the House ban on earmarks: Ranking Member Richie Neal; Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert of Washington; Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member, my friend, Bill Pascrell of New Jersey; Representative Tom Reed of New York; Representative Renacci of Ohio; and Representative Paulsen of Minnesota. Then, off the committee, I am grateful for the leadership of Representative Mark Walker, Representative Tom McClintock, Representative Todd Rokita, and Representative Rod Blum.

Today, Congress can deliver meaningful tariff relief to American manufacturers and take action that will help boost American productivity, American competitiveness, and American job creation.

I urge my colleagues to join us in concurring with the Senate amendments to H.R. 4318.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 4318 will deliver much-needed temporary tariff relief to American manufacturers of all sizes, helping them to grow and create jobs. The bill will also help American consumers by reducing prices and not forcing families to pay unnecessary taxes on products that aren't made here.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join here in a bipartisan way concurring with the Senate amendments to H.R. 4318.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and recognize Vicky Rudy for her tireless service and unrelenting commitment to the residents, businesses, and families of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas.

A graduate of Arkansas State University, Vicky began her career in city government over twenty years ago, serving as the first city administrator for the City of Montgomery and, subsequently, the City of Rollingwood, Texas.

In March of 2010, Vicky was named the City Manager of Oak Ridge North--a position she has held for eight years. Under Vicky's leadership and supervision, this vibrant, tightly knit community has flourished and prospered, experiencing tremendous growth throughout the past decade.

During her tenure as City Manager, Vicky spearheaded numerous projects to the benefit of the area--including important efforts to fully rehabilitate the city's residential sewer system and water plant. She also helped spur economic growth in the region by championing the development and growth of businesses across the city, almost doubling the occupancy of the retail sector in Oak Ridge North.

One of the most respected city managers in Texas, Vicky has enacted positive change throughout her community. She has dedicated the entirety of her career to positively affecting those around her, and as each resident of Oak Ridge North would attest, she has certainly succeeded.

After nearly two decades in public service, Vicky will begin her hard-earned and well-deserved retirement in August. She plans to

spend quality time with family members, including her nine month old grandson, Ryan Rudy. While Vicky's career as a public servant has come to an end, the incredible impact she has made on her community will be felt for years to come.

I am proud to join her daughter, Lydia, her son, Garman, her colleagues, and her friends in thanking Vicky for her years of public service and wishing her the best as she begins her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution constituting a question of the privileges of the House.